Friday, February 11, 2011

EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-129, based at NAS Whidbey Island. -129 trains crew for the EA-6B and EA-18G. This Prowler carries the scheme used by most Navy tactical aircraft at the outbreak of WWII.

The VAQ-129 Anniversary birds at NAS North Island in San Diego, recently.

TH-57C 160064, of Helicopter Training Squadron 28, based at NAS Whiting Field. This paint honors US Navy aircraft in the pre-1917 era.

TC-12B 161197 of VT-35, normally based at NAS Corpus Christi. VT-35 trains perspective aircrew for multi-engine, non-carrier based aircraft. This scheme represents Naval Aviation markings at the time of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

T-45C 165598 of Training Wing 1, based at NAS Meridian, MS. This is one variation of markings carried in the 1930s.

T-45A 163656, of Training Wing 2, based at NAS Kingsville, TX. Another variation of the 'yellow wings' schemes of the 1930s.

T-44A 160984, VT-31, based at NAS Corpus Christi. This paint honors the 1919 NC-4 flying boat that traversed the Atlantic.

The 100th Annivesary of Naval Aviation is being celebrated this year. In honor of the occasion, the Navy has authorized a number of current aircraft to be painted in historic paint schemes, representing different eras in Naval Aviation.

To fans of military aviation, this is an incredible event. The Navy celebrated its 75th Anniversary back in 1986 with several paint schemes, but nothing approaching this. The nation's Bi-Centennial back in 1976 also saw quite a few commemorative paint schemes with patirotic themes. However, this may be the best of all time ...

All of these schemes represent actual Navy paint patterns from over the years.

S-3B 160581, VX-30, based at NAS Pt. Mugu. The scheme honors SBD Dauntless dive bombers during the Battle Of Midway.

P-3C 161591, representing Patrol Wing 11. This scheme represents Navy Patrolplanes in the Pacific during the later half of WWII.

P-3C 160770, representing Patrol Wing 2. The white over black paint brings back the scheme worn by Navy patrolplanes in the late 50s and early to mid 60s. When P-3s first entered the fleet, they carried this type of markings.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Michael is a very talented artist. He is also a former Marine who experienced combat firsthand in Afghanistan. His postings contain a fascinating look at life on the ground in that war. It would be well worth your time to take a look.

Who Me Be

Disclaimer - For Anyone Interested

I am not a representative of the following entitities or organizations: US Navy, US Air Force, US Marine Corps, US Army, US Coast Guard, Tailhook Association, Lone Star Flight Museum. Any opinions or statements made on this Blog are strictly my own, and do not represent any official or unofficial policy of anyone except myself. 'Nuff said ...